Nostalgia ain't what it used to be

Something to Remember

Date: 02 September, 2014

By: Chief

he evening after the signing of the instrument of surrender and thusly ending World War II, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, via radio, gave a speech to the American people. Here, in pertinent part, is the speech as quoted by General George Kenney (MacArthur's air boss during the war):

"Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain death-the seas bear only commerce — men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. The entire world lies quietly at Peace. . . .

"A new era is upon us. Even the lesson of Victory itself brings with it profound concern, both for our future security, and the survival of civilization. . . .

"Men since the beginning of time have sought Peace. Various methods through the ages have been attempted, to devise an international process to prevent or settle disputes between nations. . . . Military alliances, balances of power, Leagues of Nations, all in turn failed leaving the only path to be by way of the crucible of War. The utter destructiveness of war now blots out this alternative. We have had our last chance.

"If we do not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door. . . .

"My fellow countrymen, today I report to you that your sons and daughters have served you well and faithfully. . .

"They are homeward-bound — take care of them."

As an aside, at the time of his speech General MacArthur had absolutely no idea how correct he was, or more accurately, how correct he would be.

Indeed, it is something to think about. The "take care of them" part. Yes, the entire speech is bloody good as well. However, I just want you to think about our veterans. The men and women who always put it on the line and end up with very little in return. It is too bad our:

Politicans,

Generals, Admirals, other assorted brass hats, and lastly;

Own citizenry —

have forgotten that it is 'SSAM' who has taken care of our country and protected our liberty — with their blood, sweat and yes, with their tears as well — since day one. You know who 'SSAM' is don't you? No? Well then allow me to introduce 'SSAM' to y'all. Our:

Soldiers,

Sailors,

Airmen, and;

Marines.

Yeah, they are the ones who are always putting it on the line. For us. For We the People. For Constitution and for country.

Indeed, they are our last chance of preventing a nuclear "Armageddon" or nuclear annihilation. Call it what you will it means the same thing — a dead planet.